Christmas help for needy

An army of volunteers will be out in force in Dungiven tomorrow to deliver hot meals to up to 100 needy people.

An army of volunteers will be out in force in Dungiven tomorrow to deliver hot meals to up to 100 needy people.

In a major initiative spearheaded by local councillor Sean McGlinchey, meals will be delivered to people around the wider Dungiven area who are elderly, or live on their own.

The Sinn Fein man revealed the initiative began last Christmas. “Being councillor, and mayor last year, and driving around for different engagements to meet people and community groups, I saw homeless people on our streets, people who were vulnerable. For many they probably weren’t going to eat a hot meal all Christmas and I thought ‘I have to do something’.”

Along with Dungiven businessman, Francie McNicholl of Eurospar, and dozens of volunteers, SVDP and The Salvation Army, more than 100 meals were delivered in the run up to Christmas last year. “When you see the wee bit of joy it brings them, it’s very humbling,” he said.

Colr. McGlinchey said those receiving meals tomorrow were identified thanks to community groups in the borough. “Christmas can be a very lonely time, so I hope this can make a bit of difference.”